Pharmaceutical delivery device

Abstract

A medical device includes a housing defining at least one container for storing a medicine in the form of a first form, a force applicator within the housing and adjacent to the container, a drive mechanism for moving the medicine toward the force applicator, wherein the force applicator defines a surface for applying force to the medicine to separate the medicine into particles smaller than the size of the first form, and wherein the device defines a cavity for receiving particles originating from the force applicator and for receiving pressurized fluid to propel the particles through it.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 951,426, filed December 20, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a medical device for administering a drug. More particularly, at least some embodiments of the invention relate to a medical device configured to load a therapeutic agent, dissociate the loaded drug into smaller forms, and then deliver the drug via a cavity of the medical device. Background Technology

[0004] In some medical procedures, it is necessary to stop bleeding within the body. For example, endoscopic procedures may require stopping bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

[0005] During endoscopic surgery, the user inserts the endoscope's sheath into the patient's body cavity. The user controls the endoscope using its handle during the procedure. Tools are delivered via, for example, a port in the handle through the endoscope's working channel to deliver treatment to the surgical site, which is located distal to the operator.

[0006] To achieve hemostasis at remote sites, a hemostatic agent can be delivered by a device inserted into the working channel of an endoscope. Delivery can be achieved, for example, by a mechanical system. However, such systems may require numerous steps or actuations to achieve delivery, may fail to achieve the desired delivery rate or dosage, may cause blockage of parts of the delivery device, may result in inconsistent dosages, or may prevent the agent from reaching the treatment site deep within the GI channel. The present invention addresses one or more of these problems in the art or other issues. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one example, a medical device may include a housing defining at least one container for storing a drug in the form of a first form; a force applicator located within the housing and adjacent to the container; and a drive mechanism for moving the drug toward the force applicator. The force applicator may define a surface for applying force to the drug to separate the drug into particles smaller than the size of the first form. The device may define a cavity for receiving particles from the force applicator and for receiving pressurized fluid to propel the particles through the cavity. The force applicator may include a sprocket having a plurality of teeth around its circumference. The drive mechanism may include two rotatable wheels for receiving the drug between the two rotatable wheels and may be connected to a trigger located outside the housing. Actuation of the actuator may cause the two rotatable wheels to rotate.

[0008] In another example, the medical device may also include a fluid source, such as a gas, for providing pressurized fluid, wherein the fluid source may be connected to a cavity via a fluid passage, and wherein the fluid passage may be connected to a portion of the cavity distal to the force applicator. The fluid passage may include a valve configured to open or close the pressurized fluid flow from the fluid source to the cavity. The valve may be coupled to a trigger configured to at least open / close the valve.

[0009] In another example, the medical device may also include a first gear coupled to the surface of an applicator, wherein the first gear is configured to rotate simultaneously with the applicator in the same direction; and a rod coupled to the housing, wherein the end of the rod includes a second gear, and the second gear and the first gear are connected in series via a linkage gear located between the first gear and the second gear, wherein actuation of the rod causes rotation of the second gear, which in turn rotates the linkage gear, which in turn rotates the first gear and the applicator. Actuation of the rod may also actuate a trigger to supply pressurized fluid into the cavity. Each throw of the rod, such as a pivoting rotation, causes the applicator to rotate by a constant angle to supply a substantially constant amount of particles into the cavity.

[0010] In another example, the medical device may also include an electric motor connected to a force applicator, wherein the electric motor is configured to rotate the force applicator; and a battery electrically connected to the electric motor and a trigger, wherein the trigger is configured to function as an electrical switch supplying power to the electric motor via the battery. Actuation of the trigger causes the force applicator to rotate continuously and continuously supply pressurized fluid from a fluid source to the cavity until the trigger is released.

[0011] In another example, the housing of the medical device may include a sheath defining a plurality of containers for storing medication, wherein the sheath is rotatable relative to other parts and cavities of the housing. The housing may include a chamber beneath the sheath, and a channel between the chambers, allowing fluid communication between them. An actuation mechanism may include rotation of the sheath such that one of the containers aligns with a chamber, thereby delivering medication from one of the containers into the chamber. A force applicator may include a wedge projecting into the chamber, and the wedge may be configured to separate the medication within the chamber into particles.

[0012] According to another example, a medical device body may include a housing defining at least one container for storing a drug in the form of a first form; a force applicator located within the housing and adjacent to the container; and a drive mechanism for moving the drug toward the force applicator, wherein the force applicator includes a plurality of teeth for applying force to the drug to separate the drug into particles smaller than the size of the first form, wherein the force applicator includes a first gear and a rod coupled to the housing. The rod may include a second gear, and the second gear and the first gear are coupled such that pulling the rod causes the second gear to rotate the first gear and the force applicator, thereby separating the drug into particles. The device may define a cavity for receiving particles from the force applicator and for receiving pressurized fluid to propel the particles through the cavity. The drive mechanism may be connected to a trigger located outside the housing, and actuation of the actuator operates the drive mechanism.

[0013] In another example, the medical device may further include a fluid source for providing pressurized fluid, wherein the fluid source is connected to the cavity via a fluid passage, wherein the fluid passage includes a pressurized fluid flow configured to open or close from the fluid source to the cavity, wherein a valve is connected to a trigger, the trigger being configured to at least open / close the valve, and wherein the trigger is located outside the housing. Actuation of the lever may actuate the trigger to supply pressurized fluid to the cavity.

[0014] According to one example, a method of administering a drug via a medical device may include positioning a cavity of the medical device such that the distal end of the cavity is adjacent to a target site, wherein the device further includes a housing defining at least one container for storing a drug in a first form; a force applicator within the housing and adjacent to the container; and a drive mechanism for moving the drug toward the force applicator, providing pressurized fluid to the cavity, and delivering the drug toward the force applicator via the drive mechanism, thereby separating the drug into particles smaller than the size of the first form via the force applicator and supplying the particles to the cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0016] Figures 1A to 1B These are cross-sectional views of medical devices according to different embodiments.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the container and feeding mechanism of a medical device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a medical device according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4AThis is a cross-sectional view of a medical device according to another embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A top view of the leather case of a traditional Chinese medicine device.

[0021] Figure 4C and Figure 4D This is a cross-sectional view of a medical device according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. The term "distal" refers to the part furthest from the user when the device is introduced into the body of a subject (e.g., a patient). Conversely, the term "proximal" refers to the part closest to the user when the device is placed into the body of a subject.

[0023] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative and do not limit the features claimed. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “containing,” “having,” “including,” or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive contents, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or not inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In this disclosure, relative terms such as, for example, “about,” “substantially,” “roughly,” and “approximately” are used to indicate possible variations of ±10% in said values ​​or characteristics.

[0024] This invention addresses one or more of the limitations in the art. However, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, not by its ability to solve a particular problem. Among other things, this disclosure relates to a medical device configured to load an agent, such as a therapeutic agent, which grinds or separates the loaded agent into smaller particles and applies the particles to a target site. The agent may be in any first form, such as a rod or pellet, before being separated or ground into a smaller form, such as a loose powder, and conveyed into a cavity that receives a flow of propellant / pressurized fluid (e.g., CO2, nitrogen, air, etc.). This medical device can help increase the particle size and consistency of the delivery of the agent (e.g., hemostatic powder) and can also help reduce the variability inherent in conventional fluid-driven powder / particle mixing and delivery systems.

[0025] Figure 1AAn exemplary embodiment of the medical device 1 is shown in more detail. The medical device 1 includes a housing 2 defining at least one container 5 for storing a drug 100 in a first form (e.g., a rod or other single-piece shape); a force applicator 11 within the housing 2 and adjacent to the container 5; and a drive mechanism 13 configured to move or propel the drug 100 toward the force applicator 11. The container 5 may be pre-loaded with the drug 100, or the container 5 may include an opening / mechanism through which the drug 100 may be loaded. The force applicator 11 defines a surface, for example, the surface of each of a plurality of teeth 12 along its circumference, for applying force to the drug 100 to separate it into particles 101 smaller than its first form. Instead of the teeth 12 around its circumference, the force applicator 11 may include serrations, barbs, or any other sharp or rough surface capable of separating the drug into powder / particle form. The drive mechanism 13 includes two wheels 13a and 13b, positioned directly below and above each other with sufficient space between them to receive the agent 100. The drive mechanism 13 may be located within a container 5 containing the agent 100. As wheel 13a rotates counterclockwise and wheel 13b rotates clockwise, the drive mechanism 13 moves the agent 100 toward the force applicator 11. However, the drive mechanism 13 is not limited to wheels 13a and 13b, but can be any suitable mechanism for propelling the agent 100. Similarly, the force applicator 11 can be any suitable mechanism for separating / crushing the agent 100 into particles 101, such as a circular grinder, worm gear, or auger. In some other embodiments, the device 1 may include multiple force applicators.

[0026] The medical device 1 also includes a cavity 4 within the housing 2 for receiving particles 101 from the force applicator 11 and for receiving pressurized fluid from the fluid source 7 via a channel 14 to propel the particles 101 through the cavity 4. The cavity 4 may be connected to or otherwise fluidly communicated with a container 5 storing a drug 100, such that a distal portion of the container 5 transitions into the cavity 4, such as... Figure 1AAs shown. Channel 14 includes a valve 17 running along its length between source 7 and cavity 4, and is connected to a portion of cavity 4 located distal to force applicator 11 to supply pressurized fluid to cavity 4, thereby propelling particle 101 toward the distal end of cavity 4. Valve 14 is coupled to trigger 15 located outside handle portion 3 of housing 2. Trigger 15 is configured to at least open fluid valve 14, thereby providing pressurized fluid flow from fluid source 7 to cavity 4. Trigger 15 can be of any suitable form, such as a button, switch, and its form is not particularly limited. Fluid source 7 is within handle portion 3 of housing 2, but is not particularly limited to being within handle 3, and can even be outside housing 2. It should also be noted that cavity 4 is not limited to being within housing 2, and in other embodiments may be at least partially outside housing 2. A conduit / sheath (not shown) may also be attached to (or otherwise extend from) the distal end of housing 2. The catheter / shelter can be long and flexible to pass through the tortuous patient anatomy and can be any suitable size to be inserted into the working cavity of an endoscope (not shown) or another delivery device (not shown).

[0027] Figure 1A The medical device 1 shown also includes a first gear 10 connected to the surface of a force applicator 11, and the first gear 10 is configured to rotate simultaneously with the force applicator 11 in the same direction. The medical device 1 also includes a rod 6 connected to a housing 2, and the connecting end of the rod 6 includes a second gear 8. The first gear 10 and the second gear 8 are connected in series via a linkage gear 9 positioned between the first gear 10 and the second gear 8. Therefore, the rod 6 can be pivotally connected to the linkage gear 9 via the second gear 8. Due to this configuration, pulling the rod 6 proximally causes the second gear 8 to rotate (e.g., ...). Figure 1A As shown clockwise), this causes the linkage gear 9 to rotate (counterclockwise), which in turn causes the first gear 10 to rotate (clockwise) by the selected or desired degree. Figure 1A As indicated by the directional arrow, pulling lever 6 closer to the side may require translating one end of lever 6 (the end opposite the second gear 8) toward handle portion 3. This translation is a pivotal movement because the other end of lever 6 (second gear 8) is pivotally connected to linkage gear 9. Pulling lever 6 can be performed by any suitable action, such as by hand or by mechanical, electric, or pneumatic actuation. Rotation of the first gear 10 causes the force applicator 11 to rotate by a selected or desired degree, which continues to separate / crush a portion of the agent 100 supplied via drive wheels 13a and 13b into granules 101. It should be noted that rotation of drive wheels 13a and 13b can be actuated by any suitable mechanism. Such a mechanism may include an automated mechanism triggered by pulling lever 6 or by actuating trigger 15 to open valve 17. Another mechanism may include an additional gear or a series of gears connecting the first gear 10 to drive wheels 13a and 13b, thus also rotating the drive wheels by pulling lever 6.

[0028] The lever 6 also includes a contact 16, which may be a protrusion or lug extending outward from the surface of the lever 6 facing the handle 3. The contact 16 may be configured to press or actuate a trigger 15 on the handle 3 when the lever 6 is pulled proximally toward the handle 3, thereby opening the valve 17. Opening the valve 17 allows pressurized fluid to flow through the valve 17 into the channel 14 and into the chamber 4 to propel the particles 101 distally. (Reference) Figure 1A The following further discusses examples of how to use the medical device 1. The distal portion of the medical device 1 (e.g., a catheter or sheath having the distal portion of cavity 4) can be delivered into the body of the subject. Cavity 4 can be positioned such that its distal end is adjacent to the intended target site for the administration of the drug 100. This delivery and positioning can be accomplished via an endoscope (not shown) having a working channel. Imaging associated with the endoscope may aid in positioning. If the drug 100 is not already loaded, the user can then load the housing 2 of the medical device 1 with the drug 100, such that the wheels 13a and 13b of the drive mechanism 13 can propel the drug 100 toward the force applicator 11. The manner in which the drug 100 is loaded into the housing 2 is not particularly limited. The user can then pull the lever 6 proximally by any suitable means / mechanism, causing the contact 16 to press against the trigger 15, thereby opening the valve 14 and supplying pressurized fluid to cavity 4, and also rotating the force applicator 11 via a series of first gear 10, linked gear 9, and second gear 8. This causes the force applied by the force applicator 11 to the agent 100 via the teeth 12, separating / crushing the agent 100 into particles 101. Particles 101 are supplied to the cavity 4, propelled by pressurized fluid toward the distal end of the cavity 4, and thus applied to the intended target site. The pull rod 6 can also trigger a mechanism that drives the wheels 13a and 13b to rotate, such as via automatic rotation or via a gear or a series of additional gears connecting the first gear 10 to the drive wheels 13a and 13b.

[0029] It should also be noted that by pressing the trigger 15 inward, the throwing of lever 6 causes the force applicator 11 to rotate by a certain degree, as discussed above, thus supplying a continuous flow of pressurized fluid. Therefore, a single throw of lever 6 can deliver a constant, desired dose of agent 100, separated into particles 101, into cavity 4. For example, Figure 1A The lever 6 is shown to rotate clockwise by approximately 45 degrees, causing gears 9 and 10 and the force applicator 11 to rotate by a set amount of rotation. This set amount of rotation corresponds to a set amount of the drug 100 separated into granules. For larger doses, the user can repeatedly actuate (push and pull) the lever 6, causing the force applicator 11 to rotate intermittently and supply pressurized fluid. Alternatively, for larger doses, the throwing motion of the lever 6 can be increased.

[0030] like Figure 1BThe medical device 1' shown is similar to device 1 in many respects. The same reference numerals refer to the same components. The differences between device 1 and 1' will be described. Device 1' includes an electric motor 20 connected to a force applicator 11, configured to electrically rotate the force applicator 11. In some other embodiments, medical device 1' may include multiple electric motors 20 and / or multiple force applicators 11. Medical device 1' also includes a battery 18 electrically connected to the electric motor 20 via wires 19a and 19b to supply power to the electric motor 20. Wire 19a connects the cathode of battery 18 to electric motor 20. Wire 19b includes two sections along its path to electric motor 18 to connect the anode of battery 18 and motor 20 to trigger 15', which functions as both a valve switch and an electrical switch. Thus, actuation of trigger 15' opens valve 17 and simultaneously supplies power to electric motor 20 in medical device 1'. Actuation of trigger 15' can be performed by any suitable action, such as by hand or by mechanical, electric, or pneumatic action.

[0031] Except that the user actuates trigger 15' instead of pulling a lever, medical device 1' can be used in the same manner as medical device 1. Actuation of trigger 15' opens valve 14, thereby supplying pressurized fluid to chamber 4, and also powers the rotation of force applicator 11 via electric motor 20 connected to battery 18. In addition, actuation of trigger 15' also automates the rotation of drive wheels 13a and 13b, thereby supplying drug 100 to force applicator 11. Actuation of trigger 15' can operate the above functions continuously until trigger 15' is released. Thus, the user can hold trigger 15' until the required amount of drug 100 separated into granules 101 is delivered to the target site via chamber 4, and then release trigger 15' to stop operation of device 1'.

[0032] Figure 2 Example of another embodiment of the drive mechanism 13' is shown. The drive mechanism 13' includes a compression spring 13a', one end of which is connected to a platform 13b' located proximal to the agent 100. The platform 13b' defines a surface that pushes the agent 100 when the compression spring 13a' is decompressed, thereby pushing the agent 100 toward the force applicator (not shown). The other end of the spring 13a' is fixed to the inner surface of the container 5 in the housing. The agent 100 may be pre-loaded into the container 5, or the container 5 may include an opening / mechanism through which the agent 100 may be loaded. In this embodiment, a surface of one of the teeth of the force applicator (not shown) or any other force-applying surface may apply a greater force against the spring 13a', such that the spring 13a' remains compressed and does not advance the agent 100. With this configuration, the spring 13a' extends only when the force applicator is rotated or actuated, thus advancing the agent 100.

[0033] Figure 3An example is shown of another manner in which the force applicator 11 can be rotated within the medical device 1″ to apply a force to separate / crush the drug 100 to the particles 101. In the medical device 1″, a torsion spring 22 is connected to the force applicator 11″ in such a way that a torque or rotational force actuates the rotation of the force applicator 11″. The medical device 1″ also includes a lever 6″ configured to pivot about a pivot point 24. The lever 6″ includes a pawl 23 that can grip one of the teeth 12″ of the force applicator 11″ to inhibit rotation of the force applicator 11″. When pulled proximally... As lever 6″ (as shown by arrow A) pivots clockwise around pivot point 24, pawl 23 simultaneously rotates clockwise, releasing from one of the teeth 12″ of force applicator 11″, thereby rotating force applicator 11″ via the rotational force applied by spring 22. As shown, the rotation of force applicator 11″ applies force to agent 100 via teeth 12″, separating / crushing agent 100 into granules 101, which are then delivered to cavity 4. Therefore, medical device 1″ can be used in a similar manner to medical device 1. The use of medical device 1″ can also differ from device 1. For example, lever 6″ can be pulled (as shown by arrow A) and held in its pulled position to allow force applicator 11″ to rotate continuously via the rotational force applied by spring 22 and to continuously supply pressurized fluid. Therefore, unlike device 1, multiple consecutive throws of lever 6″ are not necessary for continuous rotation of force applicator 1″ and for supplying pressurized fluid over a long period of time. The lever 6″ can also return to its original position, causing the pawl 23 to re-engage one of the teeth 12″ to inhibit another step of rotation of the force applicator 11″, and also stopping the supply of pressurized fluid to the cavity 4. The lever 6″ can be actuated by any suitable action, such as by hand or by mechanical, electric or pneumatic action.

[0034] refer to Figures 4A to 4D The following describes another embodiment of medical device 1”'. Medical device 1”' includes a housing 36, which includes a sheath 30, the sheath 30 including a plurality of cavities 31a-h for storing a drug 100′ in a first form, such as microcapsules. The sheath 30 is located within the outer shell of the housing 36. Figure 4A Showing the leather case 30 along Figure 4B A cross-sectional view along line 4A-4A. The medical device 1" also includes a cavity 4 at its proximal end that receives pressurized fluid from a fluid source (not shown), such as CO2. The housing 36 includes a barrier region 39 positioned between the sheath 30 and the cavity 4. Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs indicated by directional arrow A, the sheath 30 is rotatable relative to the rest of the housing 36 and the cavity 4. Furthermore, the housing 36 includes a force applicator in the form of a wedge 37, which defines a surface for applying force to the agent 100 to break it into particles smaller than its first form. In particular, the form of the force applicator is not limited to a wedge 37 and can be any suitable form. The wedge 37 may be located below the sheath 30 and may be spring-actuated via a spring 38. [Usable] Figure 1A Any other form of left-biased or pressed wedge 37. In another embodiment, wedge 37 may be actuated pneumatically. For example, an additional port or channel (not shown) may branch off from cavity 4 at a point near channel 35, such that the port may supply pressurized fluid directly to housing 36 or specifically toward wedge 37. The force of the supplied pressurized fluid may engage wedge 37 to compress and crush agent 100'. In other embodiments, a combination of spring and pneumatic device may be implemented to actuate wedge 37.

[0035] The housing 36 also includes a chamber 33 defined by a first opening 32 adjacent to the sheath 30 and a narrower second opening 34 leading to a channel 35 leading to the cavity 4. The first opening 32 can be aligned with any of the plurality of containers 31a-h of the sheath 30, depending on the rotational position of the sheath 30 relative to the barrier region 39. Thus, when the sheath 30 is rotated, the agent 100' can fall from one of the plurality of containers 31a-h into the chamber 33. The rotation of the sheath 30 can be performed by any suitable action, for example, by hand or by mechanical, electric or pneumatic action. For example, in some other embodiments, the rotation of the sheath 30 can be operated by a trigger that causes or measures the rotation of the sheath 30, such that adjacent containers 31a-31h can be sequentially aligned with the chamber 33. Figures 4A to 4B In this embodiment, the sheath 30 includes eight containers 31a-h evenly distributed around the periphery / circumference of the sheath 30. Actuation of the trigger causes the sheath to rotate 45 degrees to align the subsequent container with the opening 32. Although eight containers of the same size and spacing are shown, it should be understood that more or fewer containers, with different spacing and different sizes, may be present to accommodate different sizes / doses of the agent 100'.

[0036] A portion of a wedge 37, spring-actuated by a spring 38, protrudes from the outer shell defined by the chamber 33 and, after the sheath 30 releases the agent 100' into the chamber 33, the wedge 37 separates / crushes the agent 100' into granules (not shown). Because there is fluid communication between the chamber 33 and the cavity 4 via a channel 35, the granules of the agent 100' are conveyed to the cavity 4 and propelled toward the distal end of the cavity 4 by pressurized fluid. It should be noted that the agent 100' is prevented from falling into the channel 35 and being conveyed to the cavity 4 before being separated into granules because the second opening 34 and the channel 35 are narrower in width or cross-sectional dimensions than the agent 100' in either of the first forms. The dimensions of the opening 34 and the channel 35, as well as the force applied by the wedge 37, control the size of the conveyed granules.

[0037] refer to Figures 4A to 4D The following further discusses examples of how medical device 1”' can be used. Similar to the exemplary medical device described above, the distal portion of medical device 1”' (e.g., a catheter or sheath having the distal portion of cavity 4) can be delivered into the body of a subject. Cavity 4 can be positioned / guided such that the distal end of cavity 4 is adjacent to the intended target site for administration of drug 100. As discussed earlier, this delivery and positioning can be accomplished via an endoscope having a working channel (not shown). Imaging associated with the endoscope may aid in positioning. If loading has not yet been performed, the user can then load one or more of the plurality of containers 31a-h of sheath 30 with drug 100'. The user can then rotate sheath 30 relative to the remainder of housing 36 and cavity 4 such that one of containers 31a-31h aligns with the first opening 32, thereby allowing drug 100' to fall into chamber 33. Wedge 37 continues to apply force to drug 100', thereby separating / crushing drug 100' into granules (not shown). Rotation of the sheath 30 can be achieved by any suitable means or mechanism, for example, by hand or by mechanical, electric or pneumatic actuation. This rotation can also be a measurable rotation or continuous rotation via mechanical or electrical means. Because there is fluid communication between chamber 33 and cavity 4 via channel 35, the particle is conveyed to cavity 4 and propelled toward the distal end of cavity 4 by pressurized fluid. It should be noted that pressurized fluid can be supplied to cavity 4 by a fluid source at any time before, during, and after rotation of the sheath 30.

[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the description and practical considerations of the invention disclosed herein. The description and examples are intended to be illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A medical device for administering a medicament, comprising: a housing defining a plurality of receptacles for storing the medicament in a first form; a force applicator within the housing and proximate to at least one of the plurality of receptacles; and a drive mechanism for rotating each of the plurality of receptacles into alignment with the force applicator and moving the medicament from within each of the plurality of receptacles outward toward the force applicator, wherein the force applicator defines a surface for applying a force to the medicament to separate the medicament into particles of a size smaller than the first form; wherein the device defines a chamber in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of receptacles, the chamber for receiving particles from the force applicator when the at least one of the plurality of receptacles is aligned with the force applicator and the chamber, and the chamber configured for receiving a pressurized fluid to propel the particles received from each of the plurality of receptacles therethrough; and wherein each of the plurality of receptacles is configured to release the medicament in the first form via gravity toward the force applicator when aligned with the chamber.

2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the force applicator comprises a cogwheel, the cogwheel comprising a plurality of teeth about a circumference of the cogwheel.

3. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is connected to a trigger external to the housing, actuation of the trigger causing the drive mechanism to rotate to align the plurality of receptacles with the force applicator.

4. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fluid source for providing the pressurized fluid, wherein the fluid source is connected to the chamber via a fluid channel, wherein the fluid channel is connected to a portion of the chamber distal to the force applicator; and wherein the force applicator is pneumatically actuated such that the pressurized fluid released by the fluid source is configured to move the force applicator relative to at least one of the plurality of receptacles to separate the medicament from the first form into the particles.

5. The medical device of claim 4, wherein the fluid channel comprises a valve configured to open or close a flow of pressurized fluid from the fluid source to the chamber.

6. The medical device of claim 3, further comprising a fluid source for providing the pressurized fluid, wherein the fluid source is connected to the chamber via a fluid channel, wherein the fluid channel is connected to a portion of the chamber distal to the force applicator; and wherein the force applicator is pneumatically actuated such that the pressurized fluid released by the fluid source is configured to move the force applicator relative to at least one of the plurality of receptacles to separate the medicament from the first form into the particles; wherein the fluid channel comprises a valve configured to open or close a flow of pressurized fluid from the fluid source to the chamber; wherein the valve is linked to the trigger, and the trigger is configured to at least open and close the valve.

7. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising: a first gear coupled to a surface of the force applicator, wherein the first gear is configured to rotate simultaneously with the force applicator in the same direction; and a lever coupled to the housing, wherein an end of the lever includes a second gear, and the second gear and the first gear are connected in series via a linkage gear between the first gear and the second gear, wherein actuation of the lever causes the second gear to rotate, thereby causing the linkage gear, the first gear, and the force applicator to rotate.

8. The medical device of claim 7, wherein actuation of the lever causes a trigger to actuate to supply the pressurized fluid to the cavity.

9. The medical device of claim 7 or 8, wherein each actuation of the lever causes the force applicator to rotate a predetermined angle to supply a substantially constant volume of particles to the cavity.

10. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising: an electric motor coupled to the force applicator, wherein the electric motor is configured to cause the force applicator to rotate; and a battery electrically connected to the electric motor and a trigger, wherein the trigger is an electrical switch for powering the electric motor via the battery.

11. The medical device of claim 10, wherein actuation of the trigger causes the force applicator to continuously rotate and continuously supply pressurized fluid from a fluid source to the cavity until the trigger is released.

12. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a holster defining a plurality of receptacles for storing the medicament, wherein the holster is rotatable relative to other portions of the housing and the cavity.

13. The medical device of claim 12, wherein the housing further includes a chamber below the holster, and a passageway between the chamber and the cavity, such that there is fluid communication between the chamber and the cavity.

14. The medical device of claim 13, wherein the drive mechanism includes rotation of the holster such that one of the plurality of receptacles is aligned with the chamber, thereby delivering the medicament from one of the receptacles to the chamber.

15. The medical device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the force applicator includes a wedge that protrudes into the chamber, and the wedge is configured to separate the medicament in the chamber into particles.

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